The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is mulling to file a
motion for the Supreme Court (SC) to consider lifting the temporary
restraining order (TRO) imposed upon the agency’s No Contact Apprehension
Policy (NCAP).
1. Increase of unauthorized motorists using the exclusive EDSA bus lane
A fatal hit-and-run incident happened along the EDSA Carousel Lane at the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel-southbound on Wednesday morning. In light of this, the MMDA had issued a stern warning to motorists and motorcycle riders to stay out of the exclusive EDSA bus lane.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the agency’s Metrobase was able to capture the incident where a motorcycle rider was hit by a white sports utility vehicle (SUV) and ran over by a tanker while traversing along the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel past 5 a.m.
Based on the MMDA monitoring, the rider and the SUV driver were both traversing the EDSA Bus Carousel lane when the incident happened. The tanker was driving beside the bus lane.
Thus, Artes reiterated that the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane remains exclusive for passenger buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.
“We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” said Artes.
2. Increase in road accidents
Artes cited that there was also an increase in accidents in the last quarter of last year, coinciding with the imposition of the TRO on the MMDA’s NCAP.
3. Increase in traffic violations
The monitored traffic violations since the suspension of NCAP have also increased. In May of this year alone, 32,739 traffic violations were recorded. These traffic violations cause road accidents and slow down vehicular traffic, Artes added.
“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes.
The monitored traffic violations since the suspension of NCAP have also increased. In May of this year alone, 32,739 traffic violations were recorded. These traffic violations cause road accidents and slow down vehicular traffic, Artes added.
“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes.
Artes said the agency will also coordinate with the Office of the Solicitor General to show the agency’s data and to possibly file a motion for the Supreme Court (SC) to consider lifting the TRO imposed upon the agency’s NCAP. The SC issued on August 30, 2022 a TRO against MMDA’s NCAP.
Artes said the MMDA will also forward the CCTV footage and other evidence that might help the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the conduct of the investigation. He also appealed to other motorists who witnessed the incident to come out, report to the authorities, and bring justice to the victim.
"We encourage the driver of the white SUV and driver of the tanker to cooperate with PNP to shed light to the incident," said Artes.
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